U.S. reportedly loses measles elimination status after 26 years
The Pan American Health Organization is expected to make the determination public, and U.S. measles cases in 2026 already more than double the 2025 total.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the United States has lost its measles elimination status, which it had held since 2000. Losing the status means the disease is spreading continuously within the country, with the same chain of transmission lasting at least 12 months, according to the Pan American Health Organization. PAHO had planned to announce the decision publicly on Tuesday, Nov. 17, according to KFF Health News.
PAHO's regional verification commission reviewed country status during a Nov. 10-13 meeting in Washington, D.C. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 5,412 confirmed U.S. measles cases in 2026 through Nov. 12. That is more than double the 2,289 cases recorded in all of 2025. Isolated cases and short outbreaks can occur without losing the status.
Health experts say the change reflects spread inside the country, not only cases brought in from overseas. Physicians and the American Academy of Family Physicians said the MMR vaccine still works, but that not enough people in some communities are protected to stop sustained transmission. Experts called for vaccine services to be brought directly to communities with low vaccination rates.
By the numbers
- 5,412confirmed U.S. measles cases in 2026 through Nov. 12
- 2,289measles cases reported in all of 2025
- 26 yearshow long the U.S. held elimination status
Key points
- Experts say infants too young for vaccines and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk.
- Health officials say vaccination coverage needs to stay above 95% to maintain herd immunity.
What’s next: PAHO had planned to announce the determination publicly on Tuesday, Nov. 17.
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